Grade SelectionThis is a self graded event. To make it quite easy, if you want to race you need to be in either A or B grade .. you want to see what you are capable of with the option of having a hit out for a jersey you would enter C or D grade

Grade DescriptionA Grade
To be in A grade you must be comfortable riding in a bunch. You would expect to have a stage average between 34 and 42 kmph and be a confident hill climber. Or be exceptional at bridging gaps :-) Equal to a Good B grade club rider.

B Grade
Good rider. Again comfortable with bunch riding. Stage averages would be between 30 and 39 kmph. One thing I would say is sometimes it’s easier to go up a grade and compete with a smaller group than bang it out in massive packs.

C Grade
Good rider. Capable of riding up to 30 plus km per hr this grade would be for C or a good D grade club rider expected average would be between 25 to 30 kmph

D Grade
Capable rider. This grade is essentially for the recreational rider or the athlete who is looking to really enjoy the tour atmosphere. In saying that don’t relax too much as there are still the jerseys up for grabs…

Changing Grades
we are open to people doing this, we are more than aware that some things change and you may need to change grades. There are a couple of rules.
After the first day you may upgrade. If you do this you will be eligible for the category jerseys but you will keep your stage times.
If you down grade you will not be eligible for any grade jerseys (KOM, Sprint, GC ) although you will be eligible for all other jerseys MVP, MAR.

Category JerseysThe jerseys are presented nightly at the evening meal, if you have won a jersey and worn it please hand it to Maryanne for collection at the end of the day to be washed ready for the next wearer.. Even if that wearer is you!

Bags
We have allocations for 1 large luggage bag and you will also have a day bag, for day bag size a small back pack is preferred.

Accommodation Bag
Casual clothing for the evening meals is suitable, formal attire isn’t necessary, however as the awards dinner is a celebration you may wish to step it up a bit . Please bring at least two ride kits, as laundry facilities are limited.
The weather can be unpredictable so you will need to ensure that you have sufficient kit to cover any weather eventualities, including a good rain jacket, thermal undergarments, gloves and possibly booties. Laundry facilities are available during the tour so please be reasonable when packing your bag, as they are taken to your rooms daily by the support crew and as light as possible is hugely appreciated.

Day bag suggestions

Wet weather jacket,

Arm warmers

Knee warmers

Spare tubes

Winter gloves

Under garments

Food/Event NutritionAs this is a fully catered tour breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided every day, and any dietary requirements can be accommodated

Breakfast daily will be a hot and cold selection

Lunch will be filled rolls plus snacks etc with hot food available on some of the days,

Dinner choices will vary dependent upon the location between buffet and order off the menu

All food is the best that the region has to offer,

Tour nutrition is supplied by our sponsor High 5, this includes but it is not limited to electrolyte, gels, bars and recovery at the end of each day.

Traffic ManagementAn approved Road Traffic Management plan is in place for the whole tour, there is a lead Traffic Management vehicle with up to 3 additional support vehicles. You must adhere to New Zealand road rules at all times as the roads will remain open for the duration of the tour. No riders at any time are allowed to pass the lead vehicle.

MassageOne of the essential parts of the tour! Massage will be available at the end of every day of the tour, this can be booked prior to the tour up to a 60% capacity. This will allow those that didn’t think that they needed a massage before the event space to get in if they find that they do. Massage is $10 per ten minutes, and are generally booked in 30 or 60 minute slots.

Event Clothing
only available if entered before the 31st of August. (included in entry cost)

MoneyAlthough it is in your interest to carry money for incidentals such as drinks at the bar on an evening or a trip to the corner store for a chocolate fix. We have created the rider account. This is where all massages and any bike parts that were required can be accumulated under your rider code, and then charged to your credit card at the end of the tour

Laundry Facilities
All the hotels have coin operated washing machines and dryers and require $1 coins.

Medical/First Aid

A trained medical professional will be on tour for any rider requirements

Refunds/Cancellation PolicyA full refund less $100 administration fee will be given to any withdrawals/cancellations before the 31st August 2016.

Partial refund of entry cost, less administration fee of $100, less confirmed rooming costs will be given after 31st August 2016.

You might want to look at carrying a spare derailleur hanger, these are specific to the brand and model of your bike and we cannot possibly carry replacements.

GearingThe hills on the Southern Alps Tour although plentiful aren’t overly steep except the Crown Range. We have several long constant climbs. If you are a confident rider A or B grade a 25 tooth will get you through. If you are not as confident on the climbs we would recommend that you look at a 27

Wheel setsOne set of wheels is all that you will be allowed to use (no swapping your wheels out for time trials and hill climbs). The support vehicles will be carrying some spare Rolf Prima wheels with them during the tour. Support vehicles also carry spare tubes etc, which if used will be at your expense

Helmets You are allowed 2 helmets, if you wish to wear an aero helmet for the TT’s feel free to , you are required to carry these in your day bag (at your own risk)

Bike and Helmet checks

There is No Bike or Helmet check. You are responsible for making sure that your bike is in good running condition. We can arrange for your bike to be serviced if it sent to us by 5th November 2016.

We recommend that you have the following done to your bike and gear. Check that your helmet does not have any cracks or fractures. Check that your chain is in good order you have 2 new tyres on your bike and you have New Cleats on your cycle shoes.

Time Trial barsYou are allowed to have clip on TT bars if you would like. Just to clarify if you ride a TT bike or have clip on bars you are under no circumstances to use these in a bunch situation

Day Bag suggestions

Wet weather jacket,

Arm warmers

Knee warmers

Spare tubes

Winter gloves

Under garments

Chamois cream

Ride requirementsSpare tubes
please make sure that you have new tyres on your bike before the tour starts. This is our biggest problem closely followed by Cleats, please make sure that both these items are new. A flat tyre or broken cleat will nearly assure you of lost time and maybe the tour jersey you have trained so hard for